BUFFALO RIVER-MAR 6-7-PICTURES: Baker Ford to Grinders Ferry

[Shark Attack]

Lance & I will need to make a day trip somewhere Saturday. He's ready to go

Wes

[Richard]

Here is what it is looking like so far. Weather will be good Friday and Saturday with increased chance of rain Saturday evening and increasing on Sunday. This might be a good time to do a day float.

Karla, I have been looking at the Hwy 65 area as well. It looks like it will be low but floatable. We have several options and they all include a Friday night campfire if so desired.

Hwy 14:
Hwy 14 to Rush: 8.8 miles. We would camp Friday night at Rush.
So Maumee to Hwy 14: 9.4 miles We would camp at So Maumee. I have never camped there.

Hwy 65:
We would be camping at Tyler Bend Friday night for each of the following.
Baker Ford to Grinders Ferry: 5.4 miles.
Tyler Bend to Gilbert: 5.4 miles
Grinders Ferry to Gilbert 4.3 miles
Baker Ford to Gilbert 9.7 miles.

I am willing to go on any of these. I personally am leaning toward Hwy 65. Let me know what your preference is.
Does anyone have a problem with not camping on the river Saturday night? We are planning the REAL trip later this month.

[Karla]

Richard, the section with Hwy 5 you mention the longer, 9 miles, how much of it is pool vs some moving water? I don't remember.

Karla

[Clif]

Maybe short is the ticket with low water/less current. I have not been down from Baker's in years. Easier shuttles with chance of rain on the 65 sections.

I vote 65...Baker's down

[Richard]

It looks like Hwy 65 it is. And it also appears the inclination is to put in at Baker Ford. Baker to Grinders has a few interesting features. It is pretty typical of the pool/drop nature of the river. A pool followed by riffles then another pool etc. At 5.4 miles this could be a very nice day float. We could just go with the flow and make a few stops along the way. It would be about two hours of actual paddling. lunch and other stops could add another two hours so if we were on the water by noon, we would be off the river by 4pm.

If we add another 4.3 miles, that would put us in Gilbert about 5pm or so, but it would mean we would be paddling a little more vigorously and not stop as much.

Take your pick.

[fryingsquirrel]

woohoo! i'll see you on the river, are we camping at tyler bend? friday night or saturday night?
jon

[Richard]

The forecast this morning is calling for a 50% chance of rain Saturday night into Sunday morning.
We WILL NOT be camping Saturday night.

This will be a day float so camping gear does not need to be in the boat. Aside from normal paddling gear, the only thing you might want to bring with you is lunch and a chair.

You have the option of joining us Friday and camping at Tyler Bend.

No one has indicated whether they prefer the 5.4 miles to Grinders or the 9.7 miles to Gilbert. Our meeting and shuttle times depends on which float we choose. I am willing to do either, however if no one expresses a preference I will make that decision for us this afternoon.

[Shark Attack]

Bringing a 12 y o boy, I'll need to pull off no further than Grinder's Ferry.

Wes

[Clif]

Liking shorter as rain predicts get earlier

[Richard]

Thanks Wes and Clif. It will be 5.4 miles. Baker Ford to Grinders Ferry.

Saturday: Have your boats unloaded at Baker Ford and be ready to shuttle by 11am. That should put us on the water about noon. We will stop for lunch on the river about 1pm. We should be off the river by 4pm.

For those of us who will be camping at Tyler Bend Friday night, that means we need to be packed up and ready to go by about 9:30am.

I need a count as to who is going and whether you will be coming Friday and staying at Tyler Bend.

[fryingsquirrel]

richard, mom and i will be camping friday night at tyler with y'all and would love to float to grinders!
Karla, am i still on to borrow your dagger?
Also, how does Tyler look right now? Will there be a fee to camp or is it still off season?
See you friday night, we'll be leaving as soon as I get out of school.
Jon Ellwood

[Karla]

Richard, what is your take on the weather Saturday, weather channel says windy.

Jon, We plan to go and will bring the gear and boat for you to paddle. If for some reason, we don't go do you have another boat like tandem canoe to paddle if we don't come? But, we should come Saturday in time for shuttle. Look forward to meeting you.

Karla and Gary

[Richard]

Karla, It looks like it will be breezy. 15-20mph. We will know there is wind but it will mostly be to our back. Bring an umbrella, play Mary Poppins and let the wind push you along. There will be a few places where boat control is helpful but for the most part it should not be a reason not to go.

To all:
I may not be on the internet anymore between now and the trip but you may call me at 501-450-0217.

Lets be at Baker Ford in enough time to get the boats unloaded and be ready to shuttle by no later than 11am.
I would suggest being there no later than 10:30am

[fryingsquirrel]

Karla, thats great, I hope to see you staurday morning. If for some reason you can't make it, I'll be able to ride tandem with my mom, Pam.
See you friday night, richard, also I still dont know what tyler bend will be like... and updates?
Jon Ellwood
fryingsquirrel "at" gmail.com

[Richard]

Jon, I called Tyler Bend. The person who I talked to was not sure. He concluded by saying the group sites and pavilions were free. But he didn't know about the other sites. Bottom line: There is water. There may be a fee. If so, You can camp in my site. I will most likely be "Car Camping" Friday night. I will pay for the site if payment is required. It is limited to 6 people, but no limit on the number of tents.